18 Sep Māui Hīanga: Te Hui Taonga Tākaro – Weaving Tākaro into our Future

The air was buzzing with excitement as we gathered at the waharoa of Hoani Waititi marae. The kaupapa, Māui Hīanga: Te Hui Taonga Tākaro, a national wānanga, felt like a reunion with many familiar faces of those who move in this space. Laughter, kōrero, and the hum of anticipation filled the space as tākaro practitioners from across Aotearoa connected, shared, and reconnected. Over two days, this hui was a celebration of tākaro Māori, its past, present, and future.

Focusing on rangatahi succession, wāhine perspectives, and the future of taonga tākaro, the gathering created an atmosphere where knowledge flowed freely. Supported by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa and led by Recreation Aotearoa with support from Toi Tangata, it was clear from the outset that this hui would leave a lasting impression, weaving the kura huna of tākaro into a brighter, more connected future.

The hui opened with a pōwhiri by Te Kura Kaupapa o Hoani Waititi. Wiremu Sarich, a mātanga in te ao tākaro, led the first workshop, introducing various tākaro that got both tinana and wairua moving. His energy and passion were contagious as ever, setting the stage for an energising two days.

Drawing from over a decade of experience, Wiremu Mato followed with a presentation on the revitalisation of tākaro. His kōrero traced the pathways that have led to the realisation of the Māui Hīanga kaupapa making it clear how vital this work is for our people and culture.

A standout session for many was Te Whare Tū Taua workshop, led by Koianake Sharples, Te Waitere Jason Pāhi and Te Kaihou Ngarotata. Their kōrero covered taonga, rongoā, and emotional regulation, bringing a deeply holistic approach to the concept of tākaro. The workshop ended with ahunga, a type of āhei or kata similar to that in karate. It challenged us on our hand-eye coordination and waewae, blending both practical skills and mental focus.

Mike Tipene led a rich wānanga session on kura huna and hua of tākaro, sparking in-depth discussions in small rōpū about the role of tākaro in different sectors – from research and education to government policy. It was an illuminating kōrero that brought diverse ideas together under a shared kaupapa.

The first day closed with a beautiful kōrero on the importance of tākaro in te ao haka from Ngā Tūmanako kaihaka, Kawariki Morgan, filling the space with both mana and inspiration.

Day two kept the energy high, starting with more tākaro introduced by Wiremu Sarich. Dr. Nikki Penetito-Hemara then took the stage entering with a pepeha rap performance, embodying the mana wahine perspective in tākaro. Her workshop guided rōpū through the creation of new tākaro inspired by pūrākau of wāhine atua, blending storytelling and play in a powerful way.

Te Whānau Mānihera closed the hui in spectacular fashion, bringing the whai ruataki of tuakana-teina and rangatahi succession to life through waiata, haka, mau rākau, and whai. The rangatahi-led workshops highlighted the future possibilities of tākaro, leaving everyone excited and inspired for the journey ahead.

As the first of what will surely be many, Māui Hīanga was a resounding success. A huge mihi to Recreation Aotearoa for organising an event that brought together the tākaro whānau for two unforgettable days.